September 18, 2012 5:08pm EDTSeptember 18, 2012 4:13pm EDTWide receiver production tends to come and go in the Chargers’ offense. For free-agent pickup Robert Meachem, through two games, it's not coming.

Michael Gehlken

Published on Sep. 18, 2012

Sep. 18, 2012

SAN DIEGO—Wide receiver production tends to come and go in the Chargers’ offense. For offseason pickup Robert Meachem, through two games, it's not coming.

Meachem beat Raiders cornerback Ron Bartell deep for a 43-yard catch and added a 6-yard grab in the season opener. He had a quiet second game, going without a reception while being targeted four times Sunday against the Titans.

Watch This

It's the way things often go in the Chargers’ passing game. Last year, wide receiver Vincent Jackson had 60 receptions for team highs of 1,106 yards and nine touchdowns. But the numbers flowed hot and cold.

More than half of his yardage and touchdowns—586 and seven, respectively—came in just four games. In Jackson's other 12 outings, he had 33 catches for 420 yards and two scores.

Whether Meachem is simply at the start of a modest year or going through a cold patch that'll soon heat up will play itself out. The former Saints wide receiver has been close.

He came free against the Titans on a play-action pass in the Chargers' first drive, but pulling left guard Tyronne Green whiffed on a block. Feeling the pressure and on the move, quarterback Philip Rivers underthrew what could have been a 34-yard touchdown connection.

Meachem should feel good heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Falcons. Last year, he caught five passes for 144 yards (28.8 average) and two TDs in two matchups with Atlanta.

Mathews nears return

Running back Ryan Mathews is expected to participate in practice on Wednesday. And practice is key for the third-year veteran, who is working his way back from a broken clavicle suffered Aug. 9.

A lack of practice time played a key role in him sitting out last week against Tennessee. Mathews is tentatively expected to make his season debut Sunday vs. Atlanta.